Community leaders joined the London Optimist Sports Centre to break ground on a new addition to BMO Centre.
Tom Partalas, president of the LOSC, joined by Mayor Matt Brown, councillors Phil Squire and Michael Van Holst, former councillor Bud Polhill, London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos and other local representatives picked up shovels for the ceremony at 295 Rectory Street around 11 a.m. on Saturday.
According to Partalas, the 65,000-square-foot addition will help address the needs of all Londoners.
“We have over 3,500 young people every week that are coming through the doors,” Partalas said. “We also have 2,000 adults that come here at night during the week.”
Partalas stated that the project initially cost $7.5 million, with $800,000 being paid through grant from the city. However, he noted development costs will raise the price to $8 million.
Plans were developed in the winter with the project expected to be completed by the end of September.
“It will always be for the kids, as long as people realize that is who we are here to serve,” Partalas said.